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REVIEW: SOMETHINC

HAPPY 2020, y’all. The very first post on a new year.

I’m so looking forward to try and review more local brands this year. Watch out for this space!

Just launched last year, SOMETHINC already has their Halal Certification. And thanks to Irene from IG @beautyhaulindo for sending me their skincare products to try and review.

I guess The Ordinary really set the bar for many skincare brands to develop high quality and honest ingredients with super affordable prices. These remind me a lot of The Ordinary, right from the glass pipette bottles to the ingredients. Affordably priced at IDR115k a pop, they are all fungal-acne safe. Just remember, even though the ingredients sound so legit, you won’t see any instant result after using these. Everything takes time, dear.

AHA BHA PHA PEELING SOLUTION
Claim: Help to clean clogged pores, remove dead skin cells & maintain skin moisture level.
OK, judging from the look and feel, it really reminds me of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. The difference? The percentage of the acids. This only has 3% of AHA, 1% BHA and 2% of PHA. The rest is a great combination of Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate and Panthenol.
I do recommend this for those who have sensitive skin like me, but want to experience the chemical peeling sensation at home.
How to use? Make sure your skin is clean and completely dry. Apply evenly and avoid eyes area. Then wait for 10 minutes max and rinse with warm water, continue with your regular skincare routine. Just treat this like your weekly facial mask.
My suggestion: Try once a week first. Then if your skin can tolerate it, apply twice a week.

NIACINAMIDE + MOISTURE BEET SERUM
Claim: boosts barrier function by increasing ceramide production and fight free radicals & moisturize the skin.
Same percentage of Niacinamide like The Ordinary (10%), but this contains Beet Extract from Swiss.
Texture wise, its’ texture is thicker than The Ordinary but didn’t clump under makeup (which is a good thing). If you want to lessen the thick feel, use it after a mist toner while your skin is half dry. If you are not used with high percentage of Niacinamide, try using this once a day instead of thrice a day like suggested.

HYALURONIC B5
Claim: Promotes a maximum moisture, helps soften and brighten dull skin and make skin looks more supple and healthy.
This is very similar to The Ordinary, except this contains Butylene Glycol (might trigger comedo). Texture is thinner than The Ordinary, with no scent. It’s just like water, a good one. This is my go-to serum after applying Retinol. It seems to calm down my skin after harsh actives. And for sure, you can layer this with their Niacinamide + Moisture Beet, or apply this after rinsing that AHA BHA PHA Peeling Solution.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: CREMORLAB

Shout out to C&F Store Indonesia and Cremorlab Indonesia for sending me their latest three products to try & review.

It’s my first encounter with this Korean beauty brand. I googled them and their story is quite simple (like all their packaging). It all began with a very special water, which they trade marked as T.E.N water. This special water starts back about 260 million years ago, located deep in the mountains of the Taebaek range, approximately 1,100 meters below sea level. And this reddish glow water, finally appeared in year 2003. Rich in minerals, T.E.N water has unique beauty energy to care for sensitive skin. OK, I am sold at the term sensitive skin. Let’s jump in to the review, shall we?

BRIGHTENING TONE-UP CREAM

This is my first tone-up cream, just because I believe I didn’t need any help on instant brightening. But hey, there’s always a first time for everything.
Other than T.E.N water, this tone-up cream contains pearl powder, fermented rice and rice wine. They recommend to apply a small amount at the last step of skin care routine.
First of all, I love the glass jar packaging and the expensive scent (well, it is quite expensive. It costs IDR 750k for a 50ml). Its’ texture is opaque and thick but very easy to absorb once applied and didn’t leave any stickiness.

I believe this is a good moisturizer/primer that just makes everything look better. But, for those who have fungal-acne prone skin, better watch out for ingredients like Stearic Acid and Shea Butter, which can trigger them.
Tips: use sparingly when you need it most.

O2 COUTURE OXYGENIC PEELING MASK

Now, I’m excited for this one. Lately, been into bubble mask, and this also bubbled up and exfoliate. Its’ like earth, air and water meet in a product, thanks to the unique ingredients’ list. Beside T.E.N mineral water, it also contains Wintergreen, a natural plant-based ingredient (also known as a natural Salicylic Acid) for mild peeling purpose, and Marine Oxygen Plasma (an active oxygen circulator that helps oxygen penetrate deep within the skin).

It comes with a convenient and pump bottle. And I love how the light blue gel quickly transformed into bubble foam within seconds. Apply on clean and dry skin, wait for three minutes and rinse off. Then continue with your skincare routine. I believe my skin looks brighter and smoother (feels) after one use only.

Even though it’s not safe for fungal-acne, this is a wash-off once a week product, so I’m fine with it. And it feels like light fluffy cloud on my face, so yes I’m loving it!
Priced at IDR 550k for 100ml bottle

AQUA O2 SHIELD

Unlike any UV Protection I’ve tried, this doesn’t just blocks ultraviolet rays. It also protects against blue light, thanks to their Cloud Skin Shield formula. Yes, it is interesting, because it can protect our skin from the light from our laptop, cell phone and LED lighting fixtures.

The good thing, this does not leave a white cast, so I believe this will work best for all skin tone, including dark ones. It’s so easy to apply and finishes with a light, non-sticky feeling on the skin. Great under makeup, too! Is it safe for fungal-acne? Unfortunately not, because it has Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate on the ingredients’ list. But, this shall sit on the very last step of your skincare, so should be fine.
Priced at IDR550K for 50ml tube

Now you can get this range of Cremorlab online here, or at C&F Stores.

MY TOP 3 PRODUCTS FROM DRUNK ELEPHANT

It has been a while since I did the top 3 post, just because I rarely use more than one product from the same brand. But surprise, surprise….

Here’s my top 3 products from the brand recently bought by Shiseido’s group: DRUNK ELEPHANT. Please note that I don’t use it together at once.

PEKEE BAR
Frankly speaking, I don’t mind using bar format on my face. Yes, it’s quite a hassle and you have to be careful not to drop it on your bathroom floor or it might catch germs. But, try this and you’ll know why I love it that much. I love the luxurious foam it created, the light honey scent and the clean after-feel. So far I haven’t met anything even close to it, so I already keep on repurchasing and restocking.

BESTE NO 9 JELLY CLEANSER
Unfortunately, it will be hard to bring bar format on the go. So this is my go-to when I travel. It ‘s 100% free of essential oils, silicones and fragrance. People use this to clean makeup, but since I prefer double cleansing to do so, I use this as my second cleanser. I love lathering it up, it is such a great cleanser.

T.L.C FRAMBOOS GLYCOLIC NIGHT SERUM
Since it’s not safe for fungal acne, I only apply this for spot treatment. But if you don’t have any trouble with fungal acne, go ahead and slather it all over your face daily. Yes, daily, even though it contains AHA and BHA from different types, it delivered a mild and effective level of chemical exfoliation. No dryness, no harsh peeling.

PHOTO: SHINTA ROSVITA

COMPARISON REVIEW: GLOSSIER SUPER PURE SERUM & PAULA’S CHOICE 10% NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER

There’s the one sure thing that I can tell you before I go in details: Both are Fungal-Acne safe.

First, let me start with Glossier. This is my third bottle, so I guess you can tell that I like it that much. This serum goes after essence step on my AM routine. Why AM (you might ask)? Because it is rare to find a serum that works well beneath everything. And this works like a charm beneath everything, skincare and makeup included. Yes this is one of my absolute skin-vestment.

Priced at IDR490K (at trustable online shop here in Indonesia) for 15ml, it is expensive but the hero ingredients: niacinamide and zinc really helped my problematic skin. It helped my skin clear and reduce breakouts significantly. Unfortunately, the company didn’t state how many percentage of Niacinamide used in this HG serum. But no worries, if your skin is familiar with this form of vitamin B3, you won’t have any problem at all.

OK, let’s move on to Paula’s Choice. To tell you the truth, this is my first product from this brand. I read some good reviews about it, so I decided to purchase it from a reputable market place in Indonesia. They named this booster, but I used it with my essence in the evening as PM routine. Why so? Unlike Glossier, this is way tackier if use alone. It is sticky (almost like glue), but not oily or filmy. You can certainly feel the stickiness, even after tapping for a while. Yup, it is less comfortable compared to Glossier. But then I learned along the way, they do recommend to mix this with other serum or moisturizer. So I did mix it with my essence and voila! It didn’t feel sticky anymore. Bonus: this is the right booster if you want to achieve that glass skin look.

Priced at IDR550K (at trustable online shop here in Indonesia) for 20ml, it is more expensive than Glossier, but contains 5ml more serum. Unlike Glossier, this has 10 percent concentration of niacinamide (quite an impressive dose).

THE DIFFERENCES:

Glossier recommended to use only once a day, meanwhile Paula’s Choice can be applied twice a day. For me, I apply Glossier in the morning, and Paula’s Choice in the evening.

Glossier is more viscous compared to Paula’s.

Packaging. I like Glossier more because it’s transparent bottle so I can prepare to purchase another one before it’s finish.

SIMILARITY:

Clear texture

Price (both are expensive, but IMHO worth every drop)

Odorless

Nice pipet bottle that looks pretty on the vanity (instagramable, too!)

Satisfying result, clearer and smoother skin (less acne popping up).

Manufactured in the US (see, not all of my skincare products are from Korea).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: LAKME ABSOLUTE REINVENT X ANGGIE RASSLY PRECISION MARBLE BROW PENCIL

These certainly made ripples in the makeup world. New brow product features two shades (one darker and one lighter) in one pencil, with marble-like textures (look closely and you shall find).

They come in a nice box (sorry I forgot to take the pic of the box), complete with instructions on how to use the pencil and a sharpener. Available in two shades, Marble Grey and Marble Brown. Priced at IDR139K a pop, I think it’s a reasonable price, considering they come with spoolie brush at the other end of the pencil and a sharpener (made in Germany).

Even though I had my eyebrows embroidered by the one and only Anggie Rassly who collaborate with Lakme to create these gorgeous looking pencils, I still use eyebrow pencil daily to accentuate them. And I like my eyebrow pencil to: last all day (who touch up their eyebrows, seriously?), slightly waxy and hard, doesn’t break easily and looks as natural as possible. Of course, Lakme Absolute Reinvent X Anggie Rassly Precision Marble Brow Pencil checked all my boxes.

I use Marble Brown for natural everyday look
Marble Grey for special occasion, because it is bolder.

Go buy this if you like:

  • user friendly eyebrows pencil
  • using spoolie brush that comes with the pencil
  • sharpened eyebrows pencil
  • natural looking eyebrows

Where to buy? Lakme boutiques (Central Park & Senayan City, Jakarta), department stores, local cosmetic stores and online

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

FUNGAL-ACNE SAFE FOUNDATION [Updated]

MY FUNGAL-ACNE SAFE FOUNDATION COLLECTION

I’m not that picky when it comes to color cosmetics. But I do care about foundation because it is the first layer of makeup after all my fungal-acne safe skincare.

So, I’ve done a bit of checking on skincarisma.com for fungal-acne safe foundation and here’s what I’ve found (I will update on this post).

Unfortunately, this list below still contains silicone, so for those who are allergic to it, better watch out.

  • FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE LONGWEAR FOUNDATION
  • CATRICE 24H MADE TO STAY FOUNDATION *
  • CATRICE HD LIQUID COVERAGE FOUNDATION *
  • LANCOME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 24H LONG WEAR FOUNDATION
  • L’OREAL PARIS PRO-MATTE FOUNDATION MAKEUP
  • BOURJOIS HEALTHY MIX FOUNDATION
  • BOURJOIS HEALTHY MIX SERUM GEL FOUNDATION *
  • BOURJOIS HEALTHY MIX BB CREAM *
  • MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY 24HR FOUNDATION
  • MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY 24HR FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION
  • THE SAEM ECO SOUL VOLUME NUDE BB LIQUID
  • SHU UEMURA PETAL SKIN FLUID FOUNDATION
  • GLOSSIER PERFECTING SKIN TINT

(*Currently using & loving )

Only this one check all the green box for being totally free from anything, so far. I’d love to get my face on this.

MILK MAKEUP BLUR LIQUID MATTE FOUNDATION

PHOTO: SHINTA ROSVITA

2019 SKIN RESOLUTIONS

Yes folks, it’s almost 2019. Thought I’ll share my skin resolutions, after going through the ups and downs of my skin condition.

If you’ve been reading my blog or following my IG, you’ll know that I went through fungal acne. Fortunately, I survived. Since then, I was a bit paranoid about skincare.Through some own research, I found cosdna and skincarisma which helped me a lot to find skincare products which suited my sensitive fungal-acne prone skin. And also through that time, I learned about a few ingredients to avoid for fungal acne sufferer.

Without further adieu, here are my 2019 skin resolutions:

ALWAYS READ THE INGREDIENTS LIST BEFORE PURCHASING

If I shop online, I’d be fine because I did lots of research first before clicking that BUY button. But, if I shop offline, there’s going to be some problems. I got attracted to nice packaging and promotions (LOL), so most of the time I forgot to read the ingredients and went straight to cashier. Yes, this impulsive habit needs to stop.

NOT TO BE BORED WITH THE SAME PRODUCT

This is hard, when this world seems to bombard us with new products on daily basis. Of course, I got tempted to try new stuffs, which might not work on my sensitive, fungal acne prone skin. But in the end, even though I’m bored, I will always go back purchasing things that worked. 

REMIND MYSELF THAT ALL IS DIFFERENT

I tend to believe, if one product did good on my skin, then I will trust that brand and keep buying the other products from that one brand. Meanwhile, as we knew it, it’s a rare thing. One product might work, while the others not so much.

WILL TRY MORE LOCAL SKINCARE BRANDS (IF ANY)

It’s already hard to find Korean, Japan, US or French skincare products that are safe for fungal acne. And it’s harder to find local ones. So, I wish there are more local brands that will create skincare products which are safe for fungal acne sufferer. 

MORE MERCY ON NECK

Yes, my poor neglected neck. Too much concentration on fixing the face, but forgetting the neck. I’ll try my best to do more moisturizing and anti-aging skincare routine for my neck.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: ROLLOVER REACTION FACE SET

Last week, I was invited to the launch of this self-care face set in Watsons Pondok Indah Mall 2, Jakarta.

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Check out the cute Holographic Pouch! Currently you can get this set in one of 5 Watsons in Jakarta (Pondok Indah Mall 2, Kota Kasablanka, Grand Indonesia, Lotte Shopping Avenue, Kelapa Gading), or you can get them online.

HYDRATING FACE MIST

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With aloe vera, oat and rose as its’ main ingredients, this is literally hydrating as they claimed. We can use this before makeup and/or as setting spray. Dermatologically Tested.

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Packaging: Outer box-colorful. It comes in a 105ml plastic transparent bottle with a simple yet modern design.

Texture: light pink shade water, but don’t worry it won’t show on skin.

Scent: super subtle scent of rose and aloe. Love.

Verdict: I use this as hydrating toner after my exfoliating toner. It’s very cooling and perfect for layering under makeup. And best part, it didn’t break me out (I’m surprised to see this listed already on skincarisma.com and it’s safe for fungal acne, YEAY!).

FACE WIPES

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Micellar infused tissue to gently remove dirt & makeup. Alcohol free. Gentle on face, yet powerful for waterproof mascara. Infused with cucumber as natural moisturizer, collagen to keep elasticity in check and vitamin A. No Paraben, No Alcohol. Dermatologically Tested.

Packaging: outer layer with colorful design. Inner layer: white with simple and modern design. Consists of 25 sheets.

Texture: non-grainy wet tissues. It’s the perfect amount of wetness (not droopy and not slimy).

Scent: subtly scented like cucumber.

Verdict: it cleansed well, waterproof eyeliner, liquid lipstick, foundation and all. But it left a bit foamy residue on skin.

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LIP BALM

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Honey and Cloudberry. We know honey is good as natural moisturizer, but how about cloudberry? Apparently, cloudberry is high in antioxidant. This lip balm also contains lemon and grape fruit.

Packaging: outer layer-colorful. Inside is a cute little pink tube of 15gr lip balm.

Texture: quite balmy when pressed out from the tube. When applied, it glides and melt beautifully on lips.

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Scent: smells like candies with no sweet taste. Super love.

Verdict: it gives slight fresh pink tint on the lips, very moisturizing and perfect for filling up those dry cracks on lips.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

MILIA, XANTHELASMA, SEBACEOUS HYPERPLASIA: WTF?

After the whole fungal acne saga, enter another 99 skin problems. Well…three to be exact.

I blame it all to my hormones. And yes, to stress, fatigue and poor diet, too.

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Check out my bare and made-up skin (covered by powerful primer, concealer and foundation). Yes, I can cover that much. But by the end of the day, the spots are there. Weird looking spots (some look like pimples and closed comedones). Weird looking brown spots that actually rise on the surface of the skin like nano-sized cyst.

What the heck are them? Are they harmful?

On my eyelids are milias, small, dome-shaped bumps that are white but not ichy or painful. These formed directly from entrapped keratin, usually genetic. And also on the outer corner of my eyelid, some Xanthelasma occurred. They are soft, a bit yellowish, fatty deposit. Basically, it’s related to fat consumption (thanks butter and lattes!).

On my upper cheeks, there’s Sebaceous Hyperplasia. These occurred when the sebaceous glands that are attached to hair follicles all over our body, including face, become enlarge and trapped with sebum. Unlike Xanthelasma, these bumps are flesh-colored. People with fair skin (check!), and who’ve had a lot of sun exposure (also check!) are more likely to get this. Oh yeah, this is also genetic (darn it!).

At one point, even though they are mostly harmless, I feel cosmetically unattractive. What to do when one felt like one? Enter cosmetic procedure: ElectroCautery. I did mine at a local clinic (check their IG @beautybyappointment).

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From what I read, electrocautery is also known as thermal cautery, a surgical procedure often used to remove growths on our skin. Basically this heated needle will burn those b**ches. Certainly smelled the burnt skin while doing this procedure. Did it hurt, you might ask. Not during the procedure (thanks to the numbing cream pre-procedure), but afterwards, it felt like a burnt wound on my face (especially when I washed my face for the first 3 days).

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As you can see, some of my wounds are pretty big, especially on upper cheeks area (when most of them are sebaceous hyperplasia). While on the eyelids, milia wounds were quicker to dry and much smaller in size.

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After the procedure, the clinic gave me: NaCl aka Sodium Chloride for compress mask, anti-irritation cream and retinoic acid (which I ditched sooner because it seemed to redden my wound. They told me to always use sunblock whenever I go out and only put loose powder as my makeup (no foundation, no nothing). Will keep you guys updated on my journey with the wounds. Currently, doing my best to remove those scars with natural remedy: Rosehip Oil and chemical: Dermatix Ultra. Wish me luck!!

Meanwhile, if you asked me is it worth it to do this procedure? YES, if you are forever annoyed by bumpy textures. NO, if you can’t deal with the reality that you’re going to be wounded for a couple of weeks (and nothing you can’t do to cover them, say bye to concealer and foundation). Remember, life is full of choices and cosmetic procedures are too.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: PYUNKANG YUL ACNE

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My first encounter with Pyunkang Yul was with their first and basic line, which comes in their iconic dark blue bottles. I’ve purchased their Essence Toner, Ato Cleanser and Mist Toner, and I love them all. What attracted me to this Korean brand at the first place? Some of their products only use minimal ingredients, and they removed all non-essential chemicals from their formulations. None of their products I’ve tried made me break out or worsen my fungal acne.

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So, I am really excited when they just launched their ACNE line. Thanks to Style Korean, they sent me a box filled with ACNE line range, for their “Try Me, Review Me”. Well, as the name stated, PYUNKANG YUL ACNE specifically targets acne and claim to treat them effectively. What I love about this line, most of them are using Niacinamide and Centella Asiatica (two of my favorite and safe ingredients). Unlike their first line, these come in white packaging and bottles. Looks very Scandinavian.

So, what’s in ACNE line? And how to use them in the correct order?

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FACIAL CLEANSER

Texture: almost runny, milky gel, produced light bubbles.

Feel: super clean and comfortable. Left my skin feeling matte but not dry/tight.

Scent: smells like plastic bottle, but not annoying.

Tip: be careful when you open the cap (if you put it on vertically), as it might slurp downward easily.

TONER

Texture: clear, runny, transparent exfoliating toner

Feel: easy to absorb without leaving any stickiness and doesn’t create any foam. Cooling effect on skin and comfortable to use with round cotton pad. This is a mild exfoliating toner as I didn’t experience redness afterward.

No scent.

Tip: try with cotton pad at first round, and do second round without (just pat them on skin)

SPOT CREAM

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spotcream

All green checks on skincarisma.com.

Claim to fame: quickly soothing acne within 12 hours.

Really? Well, this works to prevent acne getting bigger. So, if you feel like that tiny bumps going to turn into a huge zit, zap this spot cream stat! I apply this at night, because it can leave a thin white matte stain on skin. This is a spot treatment, anyway. But don’t worry, it won’t make your future acne dry. It just flatten them away, seriously.

CREAM

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cream

Don’t be fooled by the name, because it’s a moisturizer which comes in a clear gel texture.

Feel: light, easy to absorb, though a bit sticky but made my skin looks matte.

And in this heat, my skin loves this moisturizer. It feels cooling and great for oily skin. I think this is a good primer for my base makeup.

DRESSING MASK PACK

Everybody, this is not a sheet mask. This comes in four square sheets, just like if we want to do Toner Mask technique. Since I am used to do toner mask with my thin square cotton pads, these sheets are thicker, therefore easier to slip down while half dry. I recommend using this while lying down. Bonus, this mask pack is categorized as safe for fungal acne on skincarisma.com.

I wish I could leave them on for more than 10 minutes, but no. Follow the instruction on the product info is the best thing to do.

OVERALL REVIEW: This line is a potent acne barrier. After about two weeks of using them, my hormonal acne didn’t flare up, my fungal acne seems to be friends with the products, too. And the fact that they’re fragrance-free, helped. A lot. I also enjoy the simple four steps, cleanse, tone, treat and balancing. Sometimes, it’s best to practice a simpler skin-care routine (especially if you’re prone to acne and fungal acne like me). Because we don’t want to confuse our skin with too many products and ingredients at once, right?

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Click here to buy PYUNKANG YUL ACNE, or you can check your trusted local online shops (I saw some on my favorite sis).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA